Blood Ward

Chapter 23

That was the last I had to say tohim. I rejoined my companions and started barking orders which werefollowed without protest. I stayed close to Reif. As the battleraged, the closer we stayed, the better we both were. I kept a closewatch on my charges, making sure everyone was safe. I was blooded afew times and I began to feel sweaty and gritty and dirty as I foughtpast the line and threw myself among the vampires.

"Stasia! Beware! Drust isclose," Reif warned from a few feet away.

"I know!" I called back,beheading a vampire who came at me. "I can feel him."

Drust was tugging at the back ofmy mind as I fought to concentrate on the battle. I glanced over atBeri who was aiming straight for the heart of one of the vampires. Iturned and gasped as a vampire appeared out of nowhere in front ofme. Before I could even swing, a blast of heat lit him up and hecombusted before my eyes. "Thanks, darling!" I smirked at Anderswho waved a little wave and went back to smiting his own vampires.

After some more time passed, Istarted to lose track of my companions. I kept by Reif and did what Icould to kill as many vampires as I could. Suddenly, I turned to findmy next target and there wasn't one. I turned a few more times andcouldn't find anyone.

"The vampires! They'veretreated!" Daeron called, running toward me. He was a bit worsefor the wear, but otherwise okay. All our companions started torejoin us. Everyone was bloodied, but not very severely wounded.

Lúthiel started to go around,healing the worst of our injuries. I glanced around and frowned."Where is Stefan?!" I demanded.

Everyone glanced around like Ihad and Beri said, "I've not seen him for hours."

"Who saw him last... Wen!You were paired with him," I said approaching her.

She shook her head. "I losthim early on. His sword was faster than my bow and he broke loose."

"Dammit," I cursed,spinning and hurrying back toward where we'd entered the battle. "Lú!Come with me!" Reif followed me automatically, and she scurriedmeekly behind. "Stefan!" I called over and over. Finally Ispotted a splash of red hair lying about a yard away. "Oh Maker,Stefan!" I took off at a run, Reif and Lúthiel close behind. Idropped down next to him and lifted his limp body to cradle him nextto my chest. I checked for all the signs for life and not findingany, I grabbed Lúthiel's arm. "Help him!" I demanded.

She knelt next to me and I laidhim carefully down so she could work. She laid shaky hands on hischest as I stood and backed into Reif's chest. His arms went aroundme. I could feel my own hands trembling. After several moments,Lúthiel looked around at us and her face was grim. "There'snothing I can do for him," she said softly.

Somebody was chanting "No,no, no," over and over again as I fell to the ground, my legsfalling out from under me. Reif followed me down, still holding me.As the tears started to burn my eyes, I realized the one chanting wasme. I closed my mouth as one of my bloodied hands covered it. Reifsaid nothing as I grieved. Lúthiel jumped up and ran off likesomething had spooked her. Suddenly, I pulled urgently out of Reif'sarms and went back to Stefan's side. I looked him over, searching forwhat caused his death.

"Stasia, What are youdoing?" Reif said gently coming over and kneeling next of me,just as I found what I was looking for.

"There!" I announcedexcitedly, pointing out the two bite marks on his neck, hidden by allthe blood. "He was bitten. You can save him."

"Stasia," he scolded."That is unwise..."

"Please Reif. I can't losehim," I sobbed, grabbing his hand. "Please..." I wasbegging.

He seemed to think hard on it andfinally sighed heavily. "I will do what I can. I cannot make anypromises."

I sighed with relief and backedaway so Reif could work. He gave me one last questioning look and Inodded. Reif bit into his own wrist and his blood flowed freely. Heplaced it over Stefan's lips and stroked his throat to allow it to godown. After a few swallows, he pulled his wrist away. "Nowwhat?" I asked not seeing any change.